Blood Science (Distance Learning) – MSc

Why study this course?

London Met’s innovative Blood Science (Distance Learning) MSc focuses on the diagnostic techniques, quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) and regulatory issues within this emerging field. This master’s course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), offering you the advantage of the opportunities for knowledge and career development this respected body provides. Delivered as a flexible online programme through our online portal, WebLearn, you’ll be able to fit your studies around your working life.

More about this course

The Blood Science (Distance Learning) MSc course is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the emerging, mixed-disciplinary field of blood science.

This master’s specialisation combines haematology, immunology, transfusion and clinical biochemistry developed from the increasing automation within pathology.

Created with input from current practitioners in the field, the course is suitable for biomedical science practitioners, graduates of biomedical or related human sciences and those who want work or already are working in blood science departments within pathology.

Taught entirely online, this remote Blood Science MSc allows you to learn at your own pace with the support of our biomedical science team. Learning materials are available 24/7 through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Weblearn, with the majority of learning being self-directed. Core modules may include some online tutorials, giving you the option to engage with your module leaders and fellow students. However, this interactive side to the course isn’t mandatory. As a participant of this master’s course you’ll have access to our online help service, where we aim to respond to all online queries as quickly as possible.

You’ll examine different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications.

Each module has a module leader who is responsible for developing the curriculum and coordinating the production of the  online learning materials.

Your final research project will be conducted in your place of work with joint supervision provided by your laboratory training officer and a member of staff from the School of Human Sciences. For those not working in a suitable laboratory, research may be conducted at London Metropolitan University with additional bench fees for materials.

The course is designed to support professionals and their career development in the healthcare profession, biomedical/biotechnology industry or in academia, with the ability to take individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD). The course also has the potential to lead on to doctoral study.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Advanced Immunology (core, 20 credits)

Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal (core, 20 credits)

Clinical Biochemistry (core, 20 credits)

Haematology (core, 20 credits)

Research Project (Biomedical Science) (core, 60 credits)

Transfusion Science (core, 20 credits)

Haemoglobinopathies (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Disease (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to Cell Biology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Cellular Pathology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Clinical Genetics (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to General Microbiology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Medical Microbiology (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Toxicology (option, 10 credits)

Where this course can take you

The extension of knowledge this course provides allows practising biomedical scientists to be considered for promotion at work. Increasing numbers of healthcare scientists are benefitting from training in this discipline too.

Your career opportunities could include employment in National Health Service (NHS) hospital laboratories and other health-related areas. Roles include those in pharmacology, biotechnology and similar areas.

Our graduates have also been well-placed to apply for research studentships and PhD research scholarships.

Graduates with two years relevant professional experience can apply for the Member grade of membership of the IBMS.